PERSON SPECIFICATION

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The person specification shows the abilities and skills you will need to carry out the
duties in the job description. Short listing is carried out on the basis of how well you
meet the requirements of the person specification. You should mention any
experience you have had which shows how you could meet these
requirements when you fill in your application form. If you are selected for
interview you may be asked also to undertake practical tests to cover the skills and
abilities shown below.

QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
UK Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC).
Eligibility for membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Evidence of recent training as a commitment to personal and professional
development.
Evidence of understanding the Statutory framework within which
Occupational therapy is provided (detailed knowledge of Occupational
Therapy legislation, guidelines and procedures).
Knowledge of working with children with Autism and Special Educational
Needs with at least 3 years’ experience in paediatrics.
Experience of working with children and young people with a dual ASD and
mental health diagnosis.
An interest in pathological demand avoidance and enthusiasm for further
professional development in this area (pathway 3 role only)
Sensory Integration training
ABILITIES, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Ability to demonstrate effective management of a clinical caseload of children
with special educational needs.
Ability to provide effective occupational therapy assessments and
interventions relevant to children with special educational needs.
Skilled in carrying out both individual and group interventions.
Knowledge of evaluating outcomes of intervention and ability to critically
appraise own performance.
Ability to use specialist knowledge to inform service / policy developments.
Excellent planning and organisational skills.
Familiarity and skill using IT systems and information packages.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents/carers and other
professionals.
Ability to operate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to instruct and support teaching teams to support children within the
class environment and in the use of specialised occupational therapy
techniques.
Ability to adapt evidence- based strategies to young people with demand
avoidant behaviour that may need an emphasis on learning through their
motivations and interests.
A forward thinker with the desire to carry out ongoing research with this group
of learners.
Ability to co-ordinate and implement programmes of staff and parent
development internally and externally.
Ability to work closely with teaching staff in the identification of integrated
learning and therapy-related individual objectives.
Ability to assess and prescribe appropriate specialist equipment.
Understanding of how to access other services and agencies.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to and responsibility for own CPD
(continuous professional development)
To demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Contribute to the EHCP process for children within your caseload.
A high level of emotional resilience and emotional maturity.
Ability to work independently, take on responsibility and manage change.
Ability to use initiative, problem solve and be pro-active.
Ability to cope effectively with competing demands and pressurised
timescales and deadlines as required by the service on a day-to-day basis
using systems of prioritisation as appropriate.
To demonstrate understanding of the roles of other professionals and the
principles of partnership-working with all staff working at the Link School.
Knowledge of confidentiality and Data Protection.